RCPS Community Partner Cafe

Rockingham Learns for Life: A New Era of Professional Growth

Professional development is an essential part of education, but how do we ensure it’s meaningful, relevant, and engaging for teachers? In this episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with Donna Abernathy, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Learning, to discuss how Rockingham County Public Schools is reimagining professional development—designed by educators, for educators.
Donna shares how RCPS is prioritizing teacher choice, hands-on learning, and peer-led sessions through the upcoming Rockingham Learns for Life conference. Learn how this new approach is shaping professional growth across the district, why teacher-led PD is a game-changer, and how you can get involved.
We are now accepting proposals for the Rockingham Learns for Life 2025 Conference, held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at East Rockingham High School & River Bend Elementary. Sessions will be one hour and should provide interactive, actionable strategies for educators.
Proposals should align with the conference goals: Academic Excellence, Serving Diverse Learners, and Mental & Behavioral Wellbeing, reflecting the RCPS Comprehensive Plan (2024-2029).
Submit your proposal here: Proposal Form. Conference planners will review applications throughout the spring.
Tune in to learn how this new initiative is shaping the future of professional growth in RCPS.

Live, Local, and Student-Led: Behind the Scenes of The Gobbler News Network

How can a student-run news network impact an entire school community? In this episode of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, we go behind the scenes of Broadway High School’s Gobbler News Network (GNN) with Broadway seniors Elijah and Leslie. From scriptwriting to live broadcasts, they share with host Katie LaPira about how this student-run program keeps their peers informed and engaged.
 
Elijah and Leslie discuss what makes GNN different from traditional school announcements. They share the skills they’ve gained, and how the program has influenced their career aspirations. Plus, hear about their most memorable broadcasts—including a campaign to bring back the beloved baked potato bar!
 
Tune in to learn how GNN is giving students a voice, building technical skills, and fostering a deeper connection with their school community.
 
Follow GNN to see their work!
 
Check them out on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. 
 
Check out the “Return of Strut” video mentioned in the episode.

Fueling Learning: Inside the RCPS School Nutrition Program

What does it take to feed over 11,000 students every day? In this episode, Katie LaPira sits down with Jennifer Williams, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, to discuss the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Rockingham County students well-fed. Jennifer shares how her team of over 100 staff prepares meals across 23 schools, incorporates locally-sourced ingredients, and meets federal nutrition guidelines—all while accommodating dietary needs.
Jennifer also highlights the benefits of connecting students to local farms, explains how the free and reduced lunch program works, and provides tips for how parents and community members can support school nutrition efforts. 
Listen in to learn more about the amazing system that keeps our 11,600 RCPS students fed. This episode is packed with insights into the care and strategy that go into serving nutritious meals every day.

Building a Better Tomorrow: Inside RCPS’s 2024-2029 Comprehensive Plan

What’s next for Rockingham County Public Schools? In this milestone 20th episode of the RCPS Community Partner Cafe, host Katie LaPira chats with Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett to discuss the district’s proposed comprehensive plan for 2024 to 2029. This proposed roadmap is designed to shape the future of education, safety, and community engagement in Rockingham County. 
 
Dr. Shifflett unpacks the six key focus areas of the plan: school safety, academic excellence, employee recruitment and retention, community engagement, student behavioral health, and stewardship. Together, Katie and Dr. Shifflett explore the district’s ambitious goals for these areas and how they benefit students, families, and the broader community. 
 
Tune in to learn how RCPS is preparing for the next five years and discover how this comprehensive plan will foster growth, well-being, and success for every student in the district. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of our schools.  

Beyond Academics: A Comprehensive Approach to Student Behavior Support

How can schools create a safe, supportive environment where every student feels seen and valued? Host Katie LaPira welcomes Liza Coffman, Director of Student Support Services for Rockingham County Schools, to discuss how RCPS supports students' behavioral and emotional needs. Katie and Liza explore RCPS’s three-tiered system for student support. Liza explains her role in overseeing the programs that focus on behavior support and crisis prevention and walks us through the responsibilities of key staff members who help provide those supports.
 
Tune in to hear how RCPS staff, families, and community partners work together to ensure that students feel safe and supported, and learn about upcoming initiatives and resources available to families across the district. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating a nurturing school environment.

Ensuring School Safety: How RCPS is Protecting Our Schools

What is RCPS doing to help prioritize safety? In today’s episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with Caleb Bailey, the newly appointed Director of School Safety and Security for Rockingham County Public Schools. Caleb shares insights from his extensive background in emergency response and discusses the comprehensive steps he's taking to elevate safety within the school system, including the introduction of cutting-edge technology, partnerships with local law enforcement, and an emphasis on ongoing training.
 
Caleb shares a comprehensive approach to emergency management that focuses on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. He highlights the use of modern technology for real-time communication during potential threats and emphasizes the importance of clear, transparent crisis management with both parents and the broader community. Caleb’s forward-thinking strategies aim to create a safer and more secure environment for students and staff alike.
 
Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this conversation provides valuable insights into how RCPS is creating a secure and supportive environment for all.

Building a Stronger Community: Ways to Get Involved with United Way

What happens when working hard still isn’t enough to make ends meet? United Way is here to help our community. In today's episode, your host Katie LaPira explores the vital work of the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, an organization dedicated to empowering all community members, including those who often find themselves barely making ends meet.
 
Katie talks with Jo Benjamin, Director of Community Impact, and Jim Sacco, Director of Development, about the innovative programs and initiatives they lead, which are designed to help our community’s most vulnerable members. Join us as we explore how United Way’s efforts, from their Rockburg CARES Network to the impactful Tools for Schools initiative, are making a tangible difference for families in our area.
 
Listen in to hear how community collaboration, volunteerism, and strategic support can help working households not just survive but thrive. Whether you're looking to get involved or seeking assistance, you won't want to miss this important conversation.
 
Important Links:
Learn more about the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham: https://uwhr.org/ 
Do you qualify as ALICE? Fill out the status tool to find out: https://uwhr.org/amialice 
Want to get involved? Learn more: https://uwhr.org/get-involved 
Learn more about Rockingham County Public Schools at rcps.net. https://www.rcps.net/ 

Back to School Essentials: RCPS Updates for the New School Year

Are you curious about what is new in RCPS this school year? In episode 16 of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, host Katie LaPira answers community questions and shares important updates for the upcoming school year. From back-to-school nights to enrollment procedures, Katie provides all the essential information families need to get ready for the new academic year. Katie also highlights the vital role of community partnerships in supporting our schools, particularly the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County's "Tools for Schools" event. 
Listen in to learn about important back-to-school dates, how to access supply lists, and important enrollment details to make sure that you are ready for the 2024-2025 school year. Hear how you can stay connected with the new RCPS app, register for the Tools for Schools event, and make the most of the new school year's opportunities. Check out the links below for more about all of the important resources mentioned in this episode.
Important RCPS Links: 
 
Health forms and calendars: https://rockinghamcountypsva.sites.thrillshare.com/page/families-students 
 
Sign up here for RCPS text notifications: https://www.rcps.net/o/rcps/page/notification-sign-up
 
Enrollment page: https://rockinghamcountypsva.sites.thrillshare.com/o/rcps/page/student-enrollment
 
RCPS Rooms App: https://rockinghamcountypsva.sites.thrillshare.com/o/rcps/page/rooms-support
 
Learn More and Pre-Register for Tools for Schools: https://uwhr.org/toolsforschool

Beyond the Classroom: Summer Reading Benefits for All Ages

Are you wondering how to keep your child's brain active and engaged during the summer break? Listen in to hear the benefits of reading in the summer as host Katie LaPira sits down with Kim Tate, the Language Arts and Library Supervisor for Rockingham County Public Schools, to discuss how powerful reading can be. Kim provides practical advice on making summer reading an enjoyable and integral part of family life. Kim and Katie discuss the importance of allowing children to choose their own books, exploring different formats such as audiobooks, and setting aside family reading time.
 
Tune in to discover various community resources and opportunities, from the Massanutten Regional Library's summer reading program to fun incentives offered by local businesses, all designed to keep young readers engaged and excited about reading. Whether your child is just beginning to read or is a seasoned bookworm, this episode is packed with tips and ideas to inspire a summer full of literary adventures.
 
For more information, check out rcps.net! 

Preparing Students for Tomorrow: Science, STEM, and Soft Skills

Are you curious about STEM and science activities in our schools? Today, host Katie LaPira chats with Tammy Stone, the Science, STEM, and Challenge Supervisor for Rockingham County Public Schools. Tammy shares exciting insights into the hands-on learning experiences of RCPS students.
 
From dissecting owl pellets to exploring watershed ecosystems, students of all ages experience captivating activities that bring science to life. Listen in to hear how STEM education isn't confined to the classroom, but extends into engaging programs where students explore the science of cooking, force in motion experiments, and even solar challenges.
 
With a commitment to fostering the next generation of teachers through initiatives in STEM and science, Rockingham County Public Schools ensures students are not only prepared academically but also equipped with essential soft skills for future success.
 
For more from RCPS, check out rcps.net.